The Summer Wind Came Blowing In

 Hello hello! Can you believe it? It's September! We kept busy during August so here's a snapshot of what we did:

• Biggest thing, we got Mackenzie enrolled in Kindergarten! She had her first day on August 23. So far she loves it.
  
  
  
• We visited with cousins some more. Our Jackson cousins are going to be moving out of the country in a few months so we are soaking up the fun family times while we can.
  
  
  
• Mackenzie and Grace did a big girl sleep over with Grandma Jackson one Friday night. They had so much fun!

  

  They made their own pizzas for dinner.

  
  
• We celebrated a birthday (Pop-Pop) and the girls got to play with a babysitter while the adults had a nice dinner. The girls had a blast.
• Grandma Hammond, Mommy and the girls took a trip to DC to visit the Natural History Museum. They loved seeing all the animals, dinosaurs and rocks. They've outdone themselves and it's really quite impressive from the last time I visited some 15 years ago.
  
  
  

  

  Posing with a Diplodocus.

  
  
• Mackenzie finished up soccer camp and decided she wanted to play more in the Fall.
• Bike riding, park playing, bubbles, tea parties and more closer to home when the weather permitted. Still hot but hopefully starting to turn cooler.

  

  Nature walk

  
  

  

  Tea Party!

  
  
  
  
  
  

Scott continues to work hard back in Kuwait. He's been kept very busy with the goings on in nearby Afghanistan. He's safe albeit tired. And he celebrated his birthday today! We did our best to make him feel special on his big day.

And, well, the question on everyone's mind is probably: Mackenzie is starting school and Scott's still in Kuwait. Are they going to go join him soon? The short answer is, no, not yet. The long answer is, we're expecting! Yes we've kept it hush-hush for a while because we've been anxiously waiting the sonogram when the doctors would tell us more about the baby, placenta and any potential risks associated with this pregnancy. As some of you may remember, Kiersten's last pregnancy was labeled high-risk and she was on bed rest and hospital bed rest for a good portion of the pregnancy due to a condition called placenta previa. There was a high chance she could have the same condition this time around.

August 3 was the big day and we learned this is a normal pregnancy! No restrictions! Nothing to cause alarm. Phew. Even with this good news we still decided it would be best for Kiersten and the girls to stay back in the States for the duration of the pregnancy. Yes it was a hard decision and yes it keeps our family separated for longer than is ideal but it was the right choice. Baby #3 is due around Christmas so Scott will for sure get the holidays off!

Baby waves hello to the world!

These sisters are excited to be adding one more to the crew.

The Mackenzie Update:

• As previously stated, she really enjoys school. She attends Marshall Elementary School in Manassas and her Kindergarten teacher is Mrs. Stamp. Her favorite thing about school is she does not have Quiet Time! (This was her discovery on the first day and prayed her gratitude about it in her nightly prayer.)

  

  But boy was she TIRED at the end of that first day!

  
  
• She's been doing really well going to Primary and is finally comfortable going on her own.
• She is growing so much! Clothes we bought at the beginning of the summer are now too tight or too short.
• School has been an amazing transformation for her. So many kids her own age to play with, learning a ton and making strides without Mom around. She is thriving so far.

  

  I just love the juxtaposition on Mom's face vs the girls'.

  
  

The Finley Report:

• Man, this little girl is talking a mile a minute! And it's long complex thoughts and ideas. Our favorite expressions are currently: "Hey! I got a good idea!" or "Is that a good idea?" and "Where's Mackenzie? Oh. At Mackenzie's school."
• Mom is loving this one-on-one time with Finley. We've never been just the two of us and she rarely ever had one-on-one time with either parent before school started. The first week was a big adjustment. She constantly asked where her sister was.
  
  
  
• She is learning to have her own voice and interests without Mackenzie around. She is very creative and clever in her play and can happily play alone for long periods of time without instruction or interruption. It's so fun to see her personality shine!

  

  Fall leaf painting.

  
  
• Although she is on her own she doesn't seem to miss playing with another person. She still isn't fond of playing with other kids who aren't her sister or family. Socialization is one thing we want to work on along with colors, shapes, numbers and some letter recognition.
• One of her most distinguishing features is her curly hair. She gets compliments on it constantly, not that she appreciates it now.

  

  I want to remember these perfect ringlets forever.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  From all sides.

  
  
• Potty training! It was a bit off and on during August but since it's just her at home, we can really focus on it. September 1 she went the whole day with no accidents! She was so proud of herself.
• Growing! As mentioned above, Mackenzie's clothes are getting too small but Finley benefits and can already fit comfortably in her "old" dresses.

  

  This dress is a little long but already fits nicely.

  
  
• Did we mention she's OBSESSED with Paw Patrol? You can't go in to ANY store without some Paw Patrol thing being present and she'll hone in on it and say, "Paw Patrol! Can I have it?" Ugh.
• Church is in person yes, but there is no Nursery so she shleps around with the adults for second hour. Soon church will start at noon and then the real struggle will begin with a [more] cranky toddler. Oh goodie.

So there you have it. We are so happy it's finally September. School has started, the weather will hopefully cool down, one month closer to December and a brief visit from Scott very soon. Thanks for catching up with us!